Our Story…
Dear visitors,
Welcome to the story of Casa de los Sueños. Our story began with three siblings: Mercedes, Marta, and Horacio. Mercedes lives in Colombia and bought this property in 1987. Marta and Horacio emigrated to the U.S. but always stayed connected to Colombia, now returning often in retirement. Without them, this dream would not exist.
This is where I come in. I’m Liliana, Marta’s daughter—born in Washington D.C., but always deeply connected to my Colombian roots. Childhood vacations meant family, amazing food, and grammar lessons I now appreciate. More than vacations, those visits helped me connect with my family, culture and an appreciation for my heritage.
I remember road trips through the Quindío region, staying at this farm, swimming and riding horses with my sisters and cousins. This place has been a constant for my family—a gathering spot for five generations. I can still picture my grandmother on the porch, bird watching and admiring the flowers.
Over the past six years, my work has often brought me to Colombia, leading teams supporting nonprofits in Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali, and Medellín. No matter where my work takes me, the strongest pull is to this beautiful region. That “I’m home” feeling hits as soon as I land in Bogotá and grows even stronger when I return to this farm, where my childhood memories live.
Together, with Marta and Horacio, we have purchased part of Mercedes’ property to create Casa de los Sueños. For me it is more than land - it’s a way to preserve and honor my family’s legacy, where our ancestors have lived for over 500 years and to deepen the connection to our family and this beautiful country for my daughters.
Through this project we are committed to supporting the local community—growing plantains and cacao, helping our family and neighbors, and donating part of our house rental profits to support the local elementary school(see our ‘Philanthropy’ page).
We invite Colombians and foreigners alike visit Casa de los Sueños, find inspiration, and create your own family memories in these magical hills.
Con amor por esta tierrita,
Liliana
Who We Are…
Liliana lives in Washington D.C. with her family and is the primary owner. She drove the development and design of the project.
Horacio is retired and lives in Virginia and is an investor. He is Marta’s brother and Liliana’s uncle.
Marta is retired and lives in Washington D.C. with her family and is an investor. She is Liliana’s mother.
Juan David is the Property Manager and owner of the plantains and cacao. He is…you guessed it… also family.
The Casa
Liliana & Juan David,~1987
(The little ones)
No one knows the exact age of the original house, but it is estimated to be about 80 years old. Liliana's father, born in Bogota in 1938, remembers the house from the late 1950s when he was stationed with the Colombian army in the area, although it was much smaller then.
During construction, we discovered that the house was constructed incrementally, using the hill to guide the floor levels for the downstairs rooms, which were about two feet higher before renovations. To gain ceiling height and level the first floor, the downstairs common areas were dug out and lowered. Upstairs, the structurally unsound walls, bathrooms, wrap-around balcony, and the bat-infested roof were all demolished.
Before starting the project, Liliana envisioned the completed house and worked with an engineer to create construction plans and a video render.
The project has been a labor of love, involving countless hours of searching for inspiration, materials, tiles, light fixtures, furniture, and more. Every feature and decoration was chosen to connect the house to its surroundings, honor its age, and provide a luxurious feel for future generations.
We hope you enjoy everything about it!
The Farm
Behind the name of Casa de los Sueños, there is the firm believe to help others, especially family. Juan David, a relative with 17 years of agricultural experience, was given the green light to do a soil analysis and understand the potential for this land. It was determined that plantains and cacao would thrive here.
In February 2024, Juan David ordered 2,000 plantain trees, which were planted in April and started producing in March 2025. The plantains are harvested and processed into patacones and then exported by one of Juan David’s childhood friends, and owner, of AgriCol del Pacifico to the United States.
The earliest known cacao plantation in Colombia, was established in 1622. Today, Colombia is the 10th largest producer of cacao in the world, exporting the product to more than 70 countries and has won many awards. In August 2024, Juan David ordered 1,000 of the award-winning trees, which arrived in early 2025 for planting. The trees will take three years to produce its first harvest, which he hopes to sell locally or for export.
Juan David aims to grow his agricultural business while maintaining a vision of helping others by creating jobs and providing agricultural training.
Juan David with his plantain and cacao trees.